PNG's immigration and foreign minister, Rimbink Pato told Fairfax "tendering false statements or documents as part of any application for a passport or travel document is a criminal offence in PNG. Breaches will be investigated and those breaking the law will be prosecuted."

Kurdish journalist and Manus Island detainee Behrouz Boochani said he had been notified that Mr Sawari was now in the custody of PNG police.